World's largest religious festival

February 13, 2013 |compiled from wire photos

The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings.

SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty Images

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An Indian artist gives final touches to an idol of Hindu God Shiva at the Akhara Pandal during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 3, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings.

SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty Images

30of51

An Indian artist gives final touches to an idol of Hindu God Shiva at the Akhara Pandal during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad on February 3, 2013. The Kumbh Mela in the town of Allahabad will see up to 100 million worshippers gather over 55 days to take a ritual bath in the holy waters, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings.